University Scholars Program 2013-2014: College of Fine Arts Program Information
Application Deadline: 12
noon Monday, February 4, 2013
Submit application at USP@arts.ufl.edu
The purpose of the University Scholars Program is to introduce University of Florida undergraduate students to the exciting opportunities of working closely with UF faculty to pursue
fundamental research and scholarly activities, thereby gaining valuable insight into how new knowledge is created and developed and how existing knowledge is focused on important problems.
This program will permit selected undergraduate students, who will be designated as University Scholars, to work one-on-one with a chosen faculty member on a research/creative project of
mutual interest. From such interaction, the student will take away an understanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method, an experience that will be invaluable in many career
opportunities, including graduate and professional schools. Students in all areas of undergraduate studies are encouraged to apply.
We expect to make approximately 5 University Scholar awards for 2013-14 within the College of Fine Arts. Students may apply for a second year of USP support, but preference will be given to
those who have not previously held a USP award. Students must submit applications by 12 noon, Monday, February 4, 2013.
Eligibility College of Fine Arts undergraduate majors or minors with a 3.25 or better UF GPA are eligible to participate in the University Scholars Program. Students
must meet eligibility requirements at the time of application. Note that in order to be eligible, you must not earn your bachelor’s degree before Spring 2014.
Student Scholar Responsibilities and Awards
Scholars are expected to complete their proposed creative/research project following all stated guidelines and
requirements. Each scholar will receive a $1,750 stipend disbursed in two phases. The scholars will receive their first stipend of $750.00 in the fall (September, 2013) and their second
stipend of $1,000.00 in the spring (April, 2014). Faculty mentors receive $500 to use as needed toward research and travel expenses related to the project.
Faculty Mentors
It is the responsibility of the student to find a faculty mentor. Topics that fit any of the specializations of faculty and their creative activity and research would be appropriate for a
student's research work. Any faculty member in the College of Fine Arts may serve as a faculty mentor for a University Scholar. Prospective scholars may investigate the research interests of College of Fine Arts faculty members as they seek a mentor. Faculty mentors are expected to attend
the University Scholars Symposium session if their mentee's work is selected.
Steps to Apply
- Seek out and identify a faculty member that is conducting creative activity/research in an area of interest that would be willing to
mentor you during the fall and spring semesters in 2013-14.
- Prepare a research proposal/contract with the assistance of the faculty member.
- Obtain a letter of support from the faculty member, stating that the mentor agrees to supervise the project and any other supporting information to assist the mentor’s department in choosing
its funded projects.
- Application packages must contain the following:
- A fully completed University Scholars Program application
- A
typed summary of your proposed research project, maximum one page, single spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 point font.
- A letter of support from the faculty mentor, stating that the mentor will
agree to supervise this project and any other supporting information to assist that mentor’s college in choosing its funded projects.
- The student’s résumé
- Copy of the student’s
academic transcript
- Email your completed application and all supporting documents (in PDF format) to USP@arts.ufl.edu no later than 12:00 Noon, Monday, February 4, 2013.
Application Dates and Timeline
- February 4, 2013: Deadline to apply to the Colleges for 2013-2014 University Scholars Program.
- March 8, 2013:Center for Undergraduate Research's notification to awardees for 2013-2014.
- March 23, 2013: 13th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Grand Ballroom, Reitz Union.
- March 23, 2013: Orientation sessions for 2013-2014 Scholars. This will be held in conjunction with the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
- Summer/Fall 2013, Spring 2014: research projects completed
- March 2014 (TBA): 14th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
- April 2014 (TBA): Final research papers/reports submitted to the Journal of Undergraduate Research or other published journal
Selection Process The College of Fine Arts expects to make approximately five (5) University Scholar Awards for 2013-14. Applications and supporting documentation will
be reviewed by the College of Fine Arts Faculty and Student Awards Committee. The Committee will select approximately five awardees and forward their names and applications to the Office of
Undergraduate Affairs.
Important Links Students and Faculty Mentors should review the University Scholars Program details for further
information and program resources. The Journal of Undergraduate Research strives to publish outstanding scholarship of undergraduates at the University
of Florida and showcases the work of the University Scholars.
Questions Questions should be directed via email toUSP@arts.ufl.edu or via telephone
to Associate Dean Margaret Mertz at 273-1484.